Are the moral messages suggested in fairy tales still relevant in today's world? And how have fairy tales shaped our world? Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a student began writing his senior essay. Clichés aside, this is probably the most recognized introduction to writing in existence. Passed down by philosophers, bards, storytellers and authors, fairy tales transcend culture, politics, language and even eras. Arguably every person on the planet has heard one. Whether it was the ancient Roman version of Cinderella, Cupid and Psyche passed down through modern Greece and heard as far away as Turkey or the African version of Snow White, Udea and her seven brothers were commonly recited in all African States. Since these stories, or some version of these stories, are so common in society, it is reasonable to ask whether the morals and messages contained within are still relevant in today's world? Child development expert Sally Goddard Blythe suggests that they are crucial to child development in her book “The Genius of Natural Children.” She sets out her belief that “the greatest threats to our future lie not in illness, but in learning and social relationships”. problems that are a direct consequence of modern living conditions, lifestyle and ignorance of the biological needs of children, perpetuated by a culture of political correctness. Goddard, S. (2011) In other words, our children are not exposed to culture, to literacy in the same way. Instead of reading them fairy tales, instead of folk songs from culturally diverse nurseries, they are presented in front of televisions that regurgitate an endless cycle of Sesame Street clones. A poor substitute for parents. Children need this exposure to grow and be healthy...... middle of paper ......s, J (1988) a scary thought given that most of us believe that these Fairy tales are moral and wholesome. crucial messages for child development. Which brings me to my next point. Have fairy tales been too bastardized? Considering the fact that many stories have been heavily edited, are we losing the original moral messages? Or is the original moral message still inside the story if you look? This raises an interesting point, which is that racism and sexism are still freely available in the work of the Brothers Grimm if you actively look for them. Snow White is a perfect example of this, with the dwarves being seen as subhuman servants. Or the wolf being a sexual predator in Red Riding Hood.5 – 400 – How fairy tales and young adult novels interactConclusion – 300At least 3 specific authors to cite. 3 relevant novels 3 specific fairy tales.